Ayub wins National Schoolboy boxing title

Andrew Hunt

Warrior Breed boxer Khalid Ayub won the Class B National Schoolboy’s title in the 65kg division, joining gym mate Amaar Akbar as their second national champion this year.

The 14-year-old defeated John Hedges, from Hoddesdon Boxing Club, on a unanimous points decision in the final to claim the prize.

Speaking of his victory, Ayub said: “I fought in the final last year and lost on a split (decision) and I was heartbroken, but I kept working hard and now I am number one in my division. It’s been a long journey, and I still can’t believe it.

“I won by a unanimous decision and boxed a good kid, hopefully this means I’ll be selected for the European tournament in July.

“I have to work my way through the three nations competition later on in the month and attend the England training camps.”

Head coach, Zahir Akbar added: “Warrior Breed now has two national champions and it is still early days as we were only affiliated in September 2014.

“Since that time we have had much success and have built a reputation as a no nonsense kind of gym.

“We have an old school mentality and don’t play about when it comes to training and developing our boxers.

“Since being affiliated we have had many Yorkshire champions. We’ve had several through to national quarters and semis and three national finals — one who is now representing England.

“We have very little in comparison to other gyms and have only four affiliated coaches, everyone else is a volunteer. But in that small team we have a lot of heart and a lot of soul, there’s a great sentiment of belief in our ability.

“It’s been a long few months for us, we had success on our first home show, presenting a warm family friendly atmosphere alongside some highly competitive boxing.

“Amaar Akbar represented us in the junior national final after a long campaign, but unfortunately, he couldn’t replicate his success from earlier in the season.

“It would have been nice for a second boxer to be representing England, but it is still a great achievement as he is ranked number two.

“Amaar is still under 20 bouts and being recognised by England for competing, beating and sparring against boxers with more experience.”

For more information about Warrior Breed boxing contact Zahir Akbar on 07403 177210.